Researchers from Ghent University, Belgium, are developing 3D-printed hydrogels for protection against space radiation.
One of the biggest obstacles for manned space travel is the high-energy space radiation, which damages DNA, causing cancer. On Earth, most of this radiation is blocked by Earth’s atmosphere and by its magnetic field. To learn more, click on the link below.
Cosmic rays: what are they?Click here
Source: Interesting Engineering
Hydrogels are materials that can absorb and retain vast amounts of water.
Water is excellent for radiation shielding due to its density and hydrogen content, which slows down radiation. However, using free-flowing water for shielding presents challenges.
Using water for radiation shielding in spacesuits is problematic because bulky containers restrict movement, uneven water distribution compromises protection, and leaks (especially near electronics) pose a danger.
Researchers are investigating superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) as a safer and more effective alternative to water for radiation shielding.
SAPs can absorb many times their weight in liquid, becoming hydrogels when swollen.
Hydrogels, because they retain water, are promising for radiation shielding in both habitats and spacesuits. The non-free-flowing water property ensures even protection and prevents leaks — even if the shield is punctured. This technique would give astronauts time to react if a suit is damaged.
“The material could also potentially be applied to uncrewed missions – in radiation shields for spacecraft, or as water reservoirs once we have optimized the method of retrieving water from the hydrogel,” said Malgorzata Holynska of European Space Agency’s Materials, Environments and Contamination Control Section.
The developers highlight that the superabsorbent polymer they use is unusually versatile in how it can be processed. They prefer 3D printing, as it enables them to create hydrogels in virtually any desired shape.
3D printing technique allows for customized shapes and sizes, perfect for spacesuits or spacecraft shielding.
Interestingly, researchers have created a 3D model of a space shuttle and an astronaut on the Moon using hydrogel-based 3D printing. This demonstrates the potential of this technology to create various shapes for space applications.
“There is a constant search for lightweight radiation protection materials. In our Discovery activity we successfully demonstrated that hydrogels are safe to use under space conditions. In this follow-up project, we are applying different techniques to shape the material into a 3D structure and scale up the production process, so that we can come a step closer to industrialisation,” said Peter Dubruel, lead of the project in the press release.
Beyond Earth’s protective shield, astronauts receive a year’s worth of radiation in just one day. Longer missions, like a Mars trip, require additional radiation shielding.
3D-printed hydrogels offer a lightweight, versatile, and highly effective way to safeguard both astronauts and equipment for safe exploration.
